Iris Sanchez earns Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy
The Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy is Nebraska’s recognition of proficiency in multiple languages for high school students. This seal is a collaboration of the Nebraska International Languages Association and the Nebraska Department of Education (Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Purpose. Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Purpose – Nebraska Department of Education). The purpose of the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy is to acknowledge high school students who have achieved a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language other than English. The Seal is the cumulative evidence of the Nebraska World Language Standards which are structured around communication, cultures, connections, communities, and cognition within a language other than English. The Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy can be used to communicate language proficiency to employers and institutions of postsecondary education. The ability to communicate in multiple languages is viewed as an asset when applying for a job or for college admission.
There are two levels of biliteracy that a high school student can receive, which are gold or silver. A Gold-level recipient of the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy has demonstrated a performance equivalent to an Intermediate High or Advanced Low, as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). This student can communicate with ease and confidence when dealing with routine tasks and social situations in a variety of contexts. A Silver-level recipient of the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy has demonstrated a performance equivalent to an Intermediate Mid, as defined by ACTFL. This student can communicate with some comfort when dealing with uncomplicated situations in predictable contexts.
Iris Sanchez is a senior at West Holt High School and earned the Gold-level Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy. Iris earned a score of 6 or higher in all four communication skills. After graduation this upcoming spring, Iris plans to attend Northeast Community College where she will be pursuing a business degree.